HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc309-10W
Dr. Hampson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what method the approval of Parliament will be sought for the raising of school meal prices and when she expects to do so.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The charges for school dinners in England and Wales are increased by The Provision of Milk and Meals (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1977. The regulations were laid August 1976—[Vol. 916, c. 816]—we have been pursuing, particularly with the Technicians and Business Education Councils and the City and Guilds of London Institute, the feasibility of an alternative arrangement for dealing in England and Wales with the courses covered by the Hudson Report which would depend upon a closer relationship with existing validating systems. I have also recently had a helpful exchange of views with representatives of the agricultural industry. I hope that these discussions will soon lead to firm proposals which would then be the subject of consultations among the interested bodies.